BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Forecasters say the Lehigh Valley will see a mixed bag of precipitation in the days ahead, with snow showers possible on Wednesday and Thursday and a potent storm system expected this weekend.
Continued warming is expected prior to the weekend storm, with heavy rain, gusting winds and severe storms possible between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.
The temperature spread in daytime highs between Thursday and Sunday could be as much as 20 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday/Thursday
A few snow showers will be possible on Wednesday.
"Overall accumulations will be less than an inch with no major impacts to travel expected," according to social media posts from NWS Mount Holly.
A few light snow showers and flurries will be possible today, especially across the higher elevations north and west of the I-95 corridor. Overall accumulations will be less than an inch with no major impacts to travel expected. pic.twitter.com/ADFMEsXG6y
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) December 6, 2023
“The latest hi res guidance has lent more credence to the potential for light rain/snow showers,” on Thursday, the weather service also said in its latest forecast discussion.
While we’re not expecting notable precipitation totals or accumulations, there is potential for a more widespread area to see snow, mainly across eastern Pennsylvania and the higher elevations of northern New Jersey.
Temperatures will be about 5 degrees below average during the afternoon, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s to low 40s across the region.
A powerful weekend storm
After a quiet end to the week, dry and mild conditions are expected to give way to a weekend storm.
The highest probabilities for precipitation at this time are late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, the weather service said, noting this “early winter cold front continues to show the potential to be dynamic.”
“There could also be some thunderstorms — maybe even some severe thunderstorms — that will take place with this, so we have to watch this,” EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich said in his latest video update.
EPAWA's 12/6 and week ahead outlook, covering:
— Bobby Martrich | EPAWA (@epawawx) December 6, 2023
■ Cooler next few days with snow showers in spots
■ Milder temps for late week and over the weekend
■ Impactful and potent system possible on Sundayhttps://t.co/zfK9phXQbp
“The timing of this looks like it’s going to [arrive] on Sunday afternoon,” he said, describing models that bring the bulk of the storm in the evening and overnight hours.
The main concern goes beyond the heavy rain.
The weather service says models are showing maximum wind gusts on Sunday near 40 mph across the region. The Weather Prediction Center also has placed a wide swath of the eastern seaboard under a marginal excessive rainfall outlook.
“We will need to continue monitoring this system for any changes as there are growing signs this could be an impactful system,” the forecast discussion said.
Highs on Sunday could top 60 degrees before the cold front pushes through. Highs Monday are expected to be in the mid 40s.
